Fine Garden Cocktails for Outdoor Entertaining

Late Summer / early Fall is the perfect time to have some friends over to watch some football or just catch up after the summer travels. Use that carefully maintained garden to create or accompany that delicious cocktail you're serving. Which cocktails? Oh, we're glad you asked...

Mint Julep: The Southern Classic renowned for its presence at the Kentucky Derby is also a tailgate favorite. It's sweet, refreshing taste is a great way to use the mint from your garden.

Ingredients: Bourbon, Distilled Water, Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar, Bunches of Fresh Mint

Preparation: (link) The preparation or use of simple syrup is up for debate. Find one that fits your style, garnish with a mint sprig, and don't forget the silver cups!

Cucumber-Tomato Martini: This smooth alternative to the classic martini is a crisp and refreshing way to serve your guests. Thanks to Nicky Fabbrini for the tip: Site, Twitter

Ingredients: Gin, Vermouth, Ice, Ripe Tomatoes, Cucumber, Salt

Preparation: (link) This requires a blender and some time, but well worth the efforts. Garnish with cocktail onions and cucumber slices.

Peach Billini: The Billini has a distinctly Italian heritage and a taste of celebration. The drink dates back to the 1940s at Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy. Grazie!

Ingredients: Champagne (or Prosecco), peaches, raspberries

Preparation: (link) You can take short cuts with schnapps but why would you?

Sangria: The perfect drink for size, presentation, and taste! This drink prepares in the pitcher and is ready in under and hour.

Ingredients: Red Wine (Rioja), Brandy, Club Soda, Orange Juice, Sugar, Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Apples

Preparation: (link) Combine in ingredients in a large bowl, chill to marry flavors, and serve.

Bloody Mary: This classic tomato juice cocktail has as many variations as there are football players from pee-wee football to the NFL. But it's hard to beat this tasty treat.

Ingredients: Vodka, Tomato Juice, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Horseradish, Worecestershire Sauce, Garlic, Hot Sauce, Salt, Ground Pepper, Pickled Okra

Perparation: (link) BAM! Little did I know that Emeril's recipe was so close to my own. I love pickled okra.

These might take a little work but the best things always do...If we missed your favorite, please let us know!

Indoor Plant Ideas: Paper Whites

Bringing plants indoors to brighten things up over the Fall/Winter does not have to be a complicated, labor intensive endeavor. That's why we're focusing on one of the simplest bulbs to "force," the Paper White.

There are many varieties of Paper Whites, but these flagrant, quickly flowering plants generally bloom within 3-4 weeks. However, these plants do not transfer well and should be discard after their bloom.

What you'll need to get started:

• Paper White Bulbs
• Planting Container - no drainage hole (3"-4" Deep)
• Soil and/or Gravel
• Water

That's it. Here are some simple tips to get your started:

1. Spread stone 1-2" deep along the bottom of your container.
2. Securely position your bulbs pointed end up. Paper Whites are vertical growers to don't worry about overcrowding; they look great in bunches.
3. Fill in remaining area with gravel/soil, being careful not to cover the tips.
4. Use enough water to raise the water level to the base of the bulbs. Covering the bulbs can cause rot so do not completely submerge them.
5. The bulbs do not need light at this stage. Keep them in a cool area (ideally 65-70 degrees) and make sure they are watered.
6. Once roots start to develop, move container to well lit window sill.
7. Once bloomed, the blossoms with last longer if lit indirectly so move them to your preferred decorative spot.

And there you have it. The simplest way to grow beautiful flowers for your indoor enjoyment. Stagger your plantings several weeks and have beautiful blooms all Winter!

Understanding Freight

Shipping costs are a make or break deal for our customers.  Customers either understand the cost of shipping items and accept the charge, or customers get frustrated with the cost and bail on the order.  Unfortunately,  freight will always be a factor since customers cannot pick up items themselves, but we try to keep the costs as low as possible.  This is why we offer free freight on orders over $200.

We are committed to carrying quality items on our site, and this means than many of our items are shipped in one piece.  We don't like the fact that shipping can cost as much as the product in some cases.

For example, our Highwood Trellises are beautiful pieces, but they are also around 8 feet tall and 2 feet wide.  If these pieces broke into parts to ship in smaller boxes it would affect their structural integrity and their quality, so they ship as one, strong, sturdy piece.  It's similar to shipping the top of a dining room table and the cost can be $75-80.  No fun.

The best way around freight costs is to order over $200 and automatically receive free shipping.  If you need two Highwood Trellises (approximately $180), it's well worth your time and money to order a window basket, set of bar glasses, or something from the sales rack.  Get something for your $20 instead of spending $75 on freight, and let us pick up the delivery charges.  (Our accountants just let out a collective cough.)

In many cases, we can ship multiple pieces in one case and this will reduce your shipping cost per item.  It costs marginally more to ship 6 coconut liners versus an order for 1 coconut liner.  They ship in the same size box!

If you have any concerns about freight, please feel free to call us.  We can schedule truck deliveries for large orders and we are willing to work with you to discover the best option (lease expensive) for your particular case.

We ship using FedEx Ground services, unless otherwise requested, because we find they have the most reasonable rates and best customer service (between UPS, USPS, DHL, etc.).

SEC Logo Highball Glasses

I do believe the best way to simmer down at day's end is a cocktail on the porch with the Misses; although we're not upset when folks get neighborly and decide to drop in. That's why I'd like to point out these collegiate logo highball glasses over at YardZooks.com. They're sold in a set of 4 for $34.95.

Now don't worry about purchasing 4, because how can you sip on your libation in such a fine manner and offer your guest a Solo Cup? I do declare, your Mother, would pitch a fit.

Not to take anything away from the good folks shouting War Eagle and holding the current Championship Trophy, but Alabama is pictured because I'm looking at this year. And they are good. Real good. I have no dog in this fight, so don't get your britches in a bunch. And while I do believe the SEC is getting too big for their aforementioned britches, they do have quite a bit to jaw about (the last 5 National Champions - College Football).

Best Regards, Beau

Late Summer Gardening Tips

Late Summer brings the heat but don't be discouraged from a little hard work. Now is the time to harvest your gardens, sow your fall seeds, and maintain your grounds. Work in the mornings, stay hydrated, and don't over exert yourself. Your garden will thank you.

Maintenance:

• Watering: Water your plants in the morning with the dew to lessen your water usage. Saturating the roots of your plants every 5-7 days promotes deep root growth and is much healthier than a daily sprinkle.
• Trimming: Trim back the spent blossoms on your plants. This is referred to as "deadheading" and it promotes new blossom growth and a cleaner appearance. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves to promote healthier plants.
• Mulching: Mulching provides nutrients to the soil as it decays, retains moisture, and helps keep the soil cool. If your mulch layer has decreased below 2-3 inches its time to reapply.
• Composting: Use extra grass clipping, leaves, etc. between your rows or in spent bed to reduce weeds, add nitrogen to the soil, and prepare the soil for your next project.
• Weeding/Pest Control: It's hot and tedious, but make sure you control the garden invaders. Weed your beds to protect their roots, but also keep an eye out for insects and critters. You can use crushed garlic or red pepper mixed with water to spray on your plants once a week to discourage furry robberies. If the problem persists try using live traps and relocate the scoundrels.

Harvests:

• Harvest your produce just prior to their full ripeness. Corn can be starchy or asparagus can be woody if picked too late.
• Harvest your herbs before their bloom when they turn bitter. You can delay herbs bloom by pinching of buds.
• Don't hesitate to cut back your bouquet flowers to make sure you have one last beautiful collection.
• Make sure to remove cucumber or squash vines to prevent mold.

Plantings:

• Weigh the first frost date in your area versus the date to maturity on your seeds to make sure you have enough time.
• Try these fall garden options: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Lettuce, Spinach, Arugula, Carrots, Peas, Kale and Chard.
• Divide or split your perennials filling in holes or gaps in your beds. This combined with composting and bed preparation will give you a full look nest spring.
• If container gardening, split your perennials between containers or transplant and upsize your pots/containers to take account for your plants growth. Don't forget to plan for your plants that you need to bring inside.
• Pick up bulbs at your local garden centers. Flowers like Daffodils take time to establish their roots. Tulips can wait as they take less time to mature.

Natural Mosquito Repellants

One of the biggest deterrents to enjoying and spending time in our outdoor spaces is the mosquito. Don't let this fun drainer keep you from admiring your hard work. Try these simple steps to deter mosquitoes.

1. Get rid of standing water. Buckets, watering cans, unused containers, and your gutters can hold stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. Dump them out and clean them up. Remember to empty and refill your bird baths at least once a week.
2. Proper yard maintenance rids mosquitoes of safe havens. Trim your grass, weed the area behind your shed, and clean up your fence line.
3. Cultivate mosquito deterring plants. Use a container garden featuring pottery, hanging baskets, and window baskets to spruce up your space and discourage bites. Marigolds, Basil, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Lavendar, Catnip, and Garlic are great options for sight, smell, and taste.
4. Hang bird feeders. Birds not only eat the seed an suet, but also devour our tiny winged nuisances.
5. Wear light colors. Mosquitoes are drawn to dark colors.
6. Install a ceiling fan on a covered porch or use an oscillating fan in the evenings.
7. Citronella candles work, but use them creatively. Use the candles in little lanterns. Hang them from deck rail mounted hooks.

Not only do we encourage decorating and maintaining your yards, porches, and outdoor spaces, but we encourage you to use them. Enjoy a summer evening on the porch deep in conversation. Invite your friends over for a grilling session. We're not breaking any new scientific ground here but simply encouraging you to take action!

It's Hot and It's Dry: How to Protect Your Trees

It's hot and it's dry.  How hot?  All-time record list hot.  It's affecting wild-life.  It's affecting entire eco-systems.  How do you protect your investment in young trees and shrubs without exploding your water bill?  Try the drip irrigation, tree watering bags by Border Concepts, the Hippo Bag.  It eliminates run-off while cooling and saturating the root systems of your trees and shrubs.  Have a lot of trees?  Call us for bulk discounts!  1-888-214-8715

So I Bought A New Lawn Mower...

As I prepared to mow my lawn last weekend, my Toro Lawn Mower would not start for the fourth time in the past 12 months.  Instead of shouldering another repair bill, I decided it was time to get a new mower.  This would be my first lawn mower shopping experience, so I thought I'd share what I learned along the way.

After recalling my 20 years of lawn mowing experience, bolstered by my father-in-law's sage advice, I decided to look for a Honda Lawn Mower.  I was open to other options but the fact that I grew up with a Honda Lawn Mower weighted my opinion heavily.  In fact my father still uses that mower and my father-in-law still uses his trusty Honda Lawn Mower - someone would have to sell me on another brand.

I started off visiting my local repair shop that also sells new models.  When I asked the repair man his suggestion he simply rolled around a Snapper with a shrug and a "Here ya' go."  I asked for details on why this was my best choice, and he said it had a Briggs & Stratton Engine but didn't or couldn't go into more detail.  I'd heard the Briggs & Stratton commercials on local talk radio (WFNZ).  Alright.  Maybe.

I then popped over to our local Ace Hardware / Garden Center.  No luck.  They were upper end and simply selling decorative items and hand tools.  Onward.

Lowe's Home Improvement was my next stop.  They carried brands I'd heard off (John Deere, Husqvarna, Troy-Built) and some I hadn't. (Lawn Boy?)  I received no assistance from employees but after kicking a few tires I felt like I was at Toys-R-Us and not a viable lawn mower distributor.  Still no Hondas?  Out.

Finally, I drove over to Home Depot.  Walking into the store I turned down a air conditioning salesman, at least I was talked to by an employee, and made my way over to the lawn mower section.  Hallelujah.  They had Honda Lawn Mowers.  Shortly, I was approached by a "knowledgeable" Home Depot staffer who read  the features off the box to me, but I had found my diamond in the denser than expected rough.  And it was on sale.  Sold!

I was surprised at the effort it took to find the brand I sought.  I generally prefer shopping with local businesses or independent garden centers because of the personal touch they offer.  Who knew that the best service I would receive would be at big old box store Home Depot?

Things I learned this past year:

• Gas contains alcohol and preservatives than can expire and hurt your engine (one of my repair bills)
• Use a gas "stabilizer" to extend the life of gas when not being used.
• Empty gas tank and burn off fuel before storing lawn mower for winter.
• Different distributors have different engines on different lawn mower bodies.  Pay attention to this.
• Honda Lawn Mowers seem to be the best built, self propelled (I'm lazy!), variable speed mowers on the market.
• Buying a lawn mower is a great way to spend a manly Saturday and eat a lot of popcorn (it's served everywhere).
• Home Depot appears to be socking it to Lowe's.

Yard Zale: Ceramic Birdbaths and Indoor Pottery

We've got some great items on sale right now.  Help our feathery friends wash the dust off and add a splash of  color to your yard.  These glazed, ceramic birth baths come in 2 sizes and 3 colors: red, blue, and green.  Don't forget to friend us on FaceBook for an additional 10% off!  Need  several birdbaths?  Get free shipping!  Yep, you read that right.